YWAM-DTS

11/8/13

5 months ago today I stepped in a world called YWAM where my life has forever changed! I have been turned around completely to what God says about me instead of what the flesh would say, worked thru stuff I never thought was there and would ever think God wanted to work on because I thought it was "fixed" when it wasn't. No, I'm not perfect yet nor will I ever be, but I'm free to be me now more than ever. And maybe this is just the beginning of feeling completely free. Today I graduate from DTS! I'm sad that something so awesome ended so quickly! So many adventures and good times are rolling thru my head and seem to give me a sick feeling that I will have to say goodbye to all of this today. But I know God wants me back and so He is teaching me that it is not/nor ever will be  a "goodbye" anymore but a "see you soon".  This season I'm walking out of today will be a season that has forever changed me! I will never be the same! I'm going home today with the awareness that I am changed and won't be understood more than likely and more than likely wont understand much of what I used to anymore. I'm aware that I will have to give myself grace when my spirit is stirred over something little someone does just because in the missionary field it would be seen differently. My world will never be the same and I'm happiest with it that way. Even as the tears roll down my face as I write this, it's happy and sad tears. Happy that I'm not the same and never will be. Sad because I think of all the circumstances that broke my heart and then I look at my life and feel what words can't describe at the moment. I feel a very strong calling to come back in the spring and do phase II so that I can be on staff here in Denver. I think from there my dreams of some sort of counseling ministry will begin. God is in control!

I'm excited! I'm happy! 

But most importantly I'm ready to see my awesome family! 

I would also like to  thank my family, extended family and friends of friends of friends for supporting me financially and encouraging me to pursue my God given dream. I couldn't have done it without y'all! You truly are blessings to not only me but to the people I got to bless on this trip as well because of you. Thank you!

Prayer request:

It's a blessing to have gotten back from the Philippines when I did cause of a Typhoon that hit there this week. My heart hurts for the people there and I can't help but picture a few people I spoke into going thru that. 

I hope that you all can join me in prayer for Cebu, The Philippines.

So many treasured moments, I will never forget!

Compassion DTS 2013 

Outreaches-the Philippines, Haiti/D.R. And around the world

Katie Jones

Wildatheart

Missionary at heart

It's that moment you hold a little girl to just love on her and pray for her. This little girl was the one who broke my heart here in the Philippines. She was 9 but looked about 3 due to being malnourished when she was really little, she looked as though she was having a hard time seeing and looked like she had been abused. Here in the Philippines abuse is easily found everywhere. But that was not her case, she was just really dirty from living on the streets and come to find out her mom has drops for her eyes but gets lazy on applying it. As I held her, I just simply prayed for her, loved her and soaked up the moment. I have decided since day one of missions that I can wash my body and my clothes anytime but I can't have the moment back after its gone so why not soak it up. After a crafts I saw her again, bright eyed and slightly joyful. My heart is melting, I just want to take her home, bathe her and get her dressed up! I can see her potential and I could give anything to do that for her. I wish I could do more, I wish I had that power but at least I know a God who does. I know He has an amazing plan for her beyond what she can imagine and that's comforting to me.

We got to go to a girls home one night called safe house for girls that have been rescued from sex trafficking and prostitution. The house they live in does some awesome stuff with them doing a 24/7 prayer week the week they get them and then helping them with court stuff (to stand against the traffickers or bar tender who prostitutes them) as well as a place to stay that is safe with a Christian environment.Charlotte  (leader of missions home ministry) said some of them thought they were going to get a job babysitting and was taken that way and some put themselves in the situation to make money for their family. Observing the room seeing a girl 7 months pregnant to seeing a girl holding a 6 month old baby boy...was really crazy but such a blessing to see them safe and in no harm at all. These girls were so precious and showed so much freedom and joy in themselves. I feel as though alot was covered up when it came to what they were going thru emotionally, but that's the beauty in the storm, where we get to uncover a little to bring to light, to pray for and comfort. I got to pray for several and the Holy Spirit came out with one, where He used me as His vessel to share with her how much He really loved her and that she is safe with Him. I watched her eyes fill up with tears! I just love missions, I love ministry with The Lord and I absolutely love being in a place not of my own. This is what missions is to me, breaking others hearts for His so that they might get closer to Him.

The other day we did ministry under a bridge. This place is where I met Darwin and Unah. Darwin is a 1 week old baby born completely blue, pronounced dead but took a breath as they were about to cover Him up. I looked at his precious sleeping body warmly cuddled up in his mothers arms, his lips still blue and his body still recovering. His mom is mentally ill, someone close by told us they saw her kick the baby the night before. It hurts my heart. I just want to take him home, give him a clean, safe place to stay and a family who is loving always. Once again I wish I had that authority. Later I grabbed Meghan and we both went over to pray for Unah and the baby.  We also got to give them food as well as others around them. It was very obvious she had no idea what she was doing, let alone know how to raise Darwin. It was the hardest thing to leave them. I could have taken him home in a heart beat. 

Our last day of ministry was so special! Though our sound system failed to hold a charge and ended up dying. We had a long crafts time. During this time I noticed a little boy who was sitting by himself and looked really down. So I walked over and started to ask him what was wrong. He lives on the streets and told me he was so hungry his stomach hurt. Leaders over this ministry began to get him food, while I asked if he would like me to get him a crown. He wasn't ok with it at first but changed his mind. I made his crown and then asked if I could write "I am  a crowned prince in His kingdom". At first he said no but then said yes.  Seeing him walk around with a crown on his head was a gift! Not too long after, rain poured down. Running to a place that was covered so we could handout meals was so fun and the water fights that followed. 

The last few days in The Philippines we spent it at a resort. It was absolutely gorgeous. Pool's  galore, crystal blue ocean, palm tree's, beautiful landscape, soft beds, amazing food and fruit smoothies. I went swimming on the beach, but it went poorly due to sharp rocks. I have battle wounds on my knees and a cut on the bottom of my foot. The foot wound was the most painful. I think God used this to keep me from going ninety to nothing the whole time. The last day I went snorkeling on the beach. So many beautiful fish! I saw dory, Fin, nemo, marlin and whatever the starfish is called off of "finding nemo". It was just breath taking and such an amazing way to end an amazing time to just relax there. 

The Cebu base threw us a going away party! So much fun and such a treasured moment with great people. They cooked an entire pig (literally) for us and so much more. This base was so hospitable to us and treated us like family.  Ill miss them.

It is so weird to be at the end of this trip! I feel like it has been forever yet not long at all. I'm so sad it's over but as I fly back to Denver I'm so excited.

I'm excited to meet new DTS people currently running and see the other outreach teams I did lecture phase with. 

One more week in Denver before I go home. I'm so excited! 

I can't wait to see family, hear all about what's going on and tell stories (if I have any left-I share so much on here).

Last outreach post

Wildatheart

Katie Jones

We won't be shaken

The Philippines

A day before leaving for the Philippines we heard about an earth quake hitting the exact area we were leaving for. Thinking I didn't want to worry anybody back home yet till I knew more, I didn't tell anyone.  Sitting in the airport waiting to depart, wondering if it was possible that they would not allow us to come to Cebu, The Philippines, to the hour we all waited in the plane before it took off and the half hour it took for them to park once we got in Cebu, The Philippines. I never felt afraid to go to the Philippines but I was aware what was going on and most importantly that God was planning to use me in a big way here. 

We experience aftershocks here frequently, some are very light and some wake us up in the middle of the night. I haven't seen any major damage here but come to find out most damage is in Bohol, the Philippines leaving Cebu with some damage. That I know of.

We started our ministries up here in a slum neighborhood. We spent time with kids and their families. Kids who had little to no clothes on their bodies, live in shacks and teens who take care of their siblings. I thought I had seen the worst then the next day we went to a slum neighborhood under the bridge. But even that was not the worst. Saturday we traveled on a trike (a bike with a side car with 2 seats in the front and a seat and a 1/2 on the back) a little ways to get to the taxi center. From there traveling for half an hour to tabitha and her families house. This family has a mission home in a slum neighborhood next to a graveyard where they house kids who have come from a hard life style and they teach them about Christ and alot come to know Jesus this way. I didn't fully take in all they said by the time we got to the neighborhood and walked into a neighborhood literally on a graveyard. We did our kid presentation for them.

One situation I observed was two little girls dancing to our drama's on a grave in front of their home with their grandma watching. 

Before long I saw a younger lady who looked a bit tough come out and grab one girl by the hair in one hand and her shirt in the other and throw her into the house. The other little girl was flinching not ready for the same thing when her mom grabbed her by the shirt and threw her in too. I just sat their shocked. I couldn't believe what I just saw. They had done nothing. Nothing!  As I sat their completely shocked by what I had just seen I heard a bunch a bangs come from the house. It didn't sound like flesh being hit but it sounded like something being thrown. I suddenly felt sick....thinking too much about what was happening. I looked around and saw a bit of hope that made me feel so much better. A dad holding two little girls, one looking like 2 and the other around 4. Looking at them you could tell the dad loved his girls and that their family was whole. 

Everyone here is so nice, Filipino's are very relational and want to know your name, age and what your Facebook name is. I was a little thrown off with the whole Facebook thing cause I haven't seen any computers, phones or anything high tech like that. But they have a hangout place with computers. So that makes much more sense. Every place we have done ministry at has been hard but rewarding. Hard to watch life being like this and rewarding that we get to pour into these people and show them the love of Jesus. 

I've had fun with my small groups every place doing crafts here. We have people you cut out that come out like this (pic below)

And the leftovers turn into crowns.

It's such a joy to crown His kings and Queens in His kingdom!:) the kingdom is here!

 

We have alot of fun and its so nice o be able to get to know them this way. #nolanguagebarrierswithcrafts

 

Here at the base they have a bunch of dogs! They are so funny! I almost always have a buddy but they have flea's so I don't touch them.

One sleeping but looks dead. Looks may be deceiving.lol

This one likes me...or my bread! I think it's the bread.

It's hard to think that next Monday will be our last ministry day then we start debrief. 

I should be back in the states by November 1st!:) 

It's a bittersweet goodbye. 

I love missions and all this adventure has been but I'm ready to be home too.:)

Wildatheart

Katie 

Child like faith

Something so tall and so majestic has to be one of the neatest thing I have ever ridden. The sounds of huge feet hitting the ground and the jolt of over exaggerated bumps as the elephant walks, with nothing to worry about. This has to be the most excited I have ever been to ride an animal. I mean who can say they have ridden an elephant...not many. I feel so blessed to be apart of this journey only God could bring me on. 

Now...the huge anaconda most held afterwards...I could have done without but the ostriches they guys rode definitely made my day. 

We had the opportunity to take a day to just pray, worship and read the bible aloud, making most of the way thru the New Testament. Jesus is always renewing my love for reading the bible. 

We also got to take a day to travel to Laos, Burma and the Golden triangle. 

The Golden triangle is a river that joins Laos, Thailand, China and Myanmar. We crossed the border from Maesai to Burma, where we spent there to get familiar with the culture and take a prayer walk. This place compared to just a few steps away in Maesai, was so diverse. You could definitely feel the oppression and brokenness. People are so broken and in need here. As I walked the streets of what seemed like an outside mall, beggars came up to me asking for food and money in Thai...feeling so bad that I could provide anything for them, I could only say no in Thai. I felt God comforting me about this as I took the prayer walk over Burma, telling me that sometimes we can only pray. So I prayed every thought, every desire and want for this place out to Him. I really feel that every prayer made a difference cause afterwards just passing people as we walked out and back into Maesai, there was an essence over the place that seemed so different. 

Saturday

Today Is my mom's birthday and I'm celebrating it from afar. The farthest I have ever been from her and the longest. I couldn't have made it this far without her, her support and encouragements. She loved me and taught me how to love and most importantly she taught me about God's love for me so that I may be able to pour out onto others! Her and my dad taught me about Jesus at a very young age and now because I have been taught so well I get to pour out what I know and treasure so dearly to others. She raised a missionary in me. It wasn't all peaches and cream and we both had our moments but we made it. She always told me that before I was born God told her I would be a missionary and she did everything she could and more to instill Jesus in me and be able to love like He did. Now, Here I am, in Thailand, in a 1% Christian population where their are many groups that are Unreached, that still praise Buddha. Like he will have anything to give to them once they die, while they have given everything to him. I get to show them who will fill that empty spot in their heart, who will provide for their every need and who will turn their sadness into joy.  All with prayer and walking the place with joy abounding from me and showing love with all that I say and do. I love you mom!:) 

 Thailand has been one of those places I will never forget. The doors my team opened for Maesai YWAM at the school with the kids. And the lessons we planted in the kids at the drop-in center, Agape orphanage and the kids from the school, we showed love to all of these kids. A big awakening to my heart is the fact that all the Drama's and lessons we taught these kids, they will never forget it. Never! Watching the kids from both the school and the orphanage act out all the drama's we did for them, that will always be something they remember and maybe even generations to come. The childlike faith in these kids, I believe will change Thailand. I believe a break thru over Thailand is about to come, an awakening in each heart here that will just roar over Thailand. Thailand will never be the same again.

God is so good! I can't wait to see and experience all He has for The Philippines. Please pray that we as a team finish strong. It's been a long time on the road and so it's totally normal to feel tired but it's not allowed...God is bigger than being tired and He will renew our strength. 

Thank you and God bless you!:)

Katie Jones

Wildatheart

Journey to Thailand

Hey, everyone

Since arriving in Thailand, we have prayed over the Temples in Bangkok then traveled in a bus to Maesai  Thailand. The Bus was 12 hrs long and the nicest I have ever seen or ridden in, with massage chairs that recline all the way with a foot rest and personnel entertainment center as well as snacks. In Maesai, Thailand we stay in a YWAM house to ourselves and Nirute (our guide/translator/friend/brother). In Maesai we have helped at the drop-in, a place for kids to go during the day. The staff there educate them and teach them about Jesus. So we got to pour into their lives by telling testimonies, bible stories, doing drama's, getting to know each one and playing games. 

A few nights this week we got to go to the sports center a few miles down.  Things like Basketball, soccer, and a different type of volleyball (play with feet) as well as Zumba. Funny thing is walking into a gym with a bunch of pro Thai people doing Zumba and then a bunch of YWAMers in the back trying to do it. It was fun to do but it was a lot more fun to look like a dork doing it.

Later in the week we got the opportunity to teach English at a christian school Maesai Grace Church. Andi, Gracie and I taught shapes to them, using tools such as games for them to see it, hear it and say it. Following we played games with them and got to know each one. The kids here are so fun, and look up to us like we are the best people in the world. I love them and they so love me, always hugging me and clinging to me. During games a few just decided to pull a chair up and sit by me and decided not to move even though we were playing a game.lol This always makes my day. 

Later we got to perform skits and play games at an orphanage here. 

We ended the week performing the drama "Forgiveness" (I'm the intercessor of Hope) following Zack telling his testimony to the church service at Maesai Grace church.

Due to not being able to understand Thai, apparently we all have October birthday's thinking he said "YWAM stand up!"he really asked for "October Birthdays  stand up!". Oh dear!

This week we started off with two days at a school here in Maesai teaching English to six classes in two days. Logan and I were a team and we taught actions like jump, run, walk, skip and many more basic ones. The English level was lower than at the Christian school so it was a bit more of a challenge. Logan and I did a great job together and we all had fun. 

Tomorrow we have a day off to go ride elephants and do some souvenir shopping hopefully!:) 

Wildatheart

Katie Jones

Love and the outcome (finale)

Last week here in South Africa we experienced a true South African church on Sunday as well as a safari ride to see lions, elephants, Zebra's and much more. Monday was our midterm mark of outreach. I had half of the day off, then after dinner prep/clean up, I got to meet with Ruth and Tim for a midterm debrief.  

Tuesday on our day off we went to Cape town where we played on a beach with penguins, ate pizza and then explored shops. Wednesday and Thursday we had a teaching in Cape Town with the lovely Maureen menard at her beautiful home with her awesome Great Dane Riley, where maureen taught us about the Holy Spirit. Riley and I hit it off good and played most of the time there when we weren't in class. I have come to the conclusion that I need a big dog soon!:) Now for Thailand! Excited! 

Wildatheart

Katie Jones

Love and the outcome (part 3)

Friday 9/20

The coldest day I've ever known here.  

We planned to go on a mini safari adventure but it was too cold so we did some team intercession. I love this because Zack, Andi and I planned it, Gods hand was totally in it because when we asked Him and He gave us all a piece of the puzzle. We sat in a circle with one person in the middle throwing out encouragements to them to lift them up. God has been giving me the word "Unity" over our team. I believe this isn't something we should take lightly, I think it's going to have to be a team effort and not just in planned sessions, every chance we get. It's interesting enough that I feel this over the team but I also feel this over the world. If we believe we can change the world why isn't their more missionaries? If the head of the household is the man, then why is this a fatherless generation? If the problem is us, why don't we do something?

And many more questions run thru my head daily.

The answer to these questions is unanswered in my mind! 

This blows my mind so much! I often have to shut myself out from the world to spend with God because the oppression of this world and reality that there is a lot of need, to be shown that I can only do so much. 

One of the team members told a story of a man from the first day that wanted prayer over his addictions on drugs when just before that he was buying a bunch of teenagers some drugs. What? Mind blown! Seriously! 

After lunch we did a classic door to door evangelism in split up groups. 

A grandma, mom, and son we prayed for were going thru a lot. The son having drug addictions making the mom drink and the grandma was having side pains. I told the mom "Jesus loves you!" While Meghan asked if she really felt loved when she didn't. She believed it but she didn't feel it. I looked at her and with her full attention I told her "every time you feel like you want to drink because of all this, I want you to get all by yourself to spend with Jesus! Just you and Him!" I then asked if she writes which she liked a lot! So I asked her if she could journal all this stuff she had been spilling out to us, which she said she could. I then went into explanation that by journaling she will be laying all her burdens at the cross, at His feet, into his hands...because He loves you so much, He doesn't want you to hold this and that the empty space in her heart could only be filled with His love. This was my challenge to her and she took it without a hesitation. This is what my counselor taught me when I was going thru a rough time and among all that she taught me I felt like this was the best thing she needed and so did God. I just felt like His face was shining in this moment to show her He really does love her.

I told her before we left " don't forget my challenge to you!" And she sweetly and with a appreciative heart said " I won't forget! I won't forget!"

The son with the drug addiction, his heart was changing for the best. I'm excited for Him. God really has a great plan for Him and I told him that. 

To make things better:

Meghan was a prayer warrior for God and we all saw God heal the grandma's side today.

Jesus is winning! 

To end this awesome time...a rainbow was displayed in the sky.

Saturday 9/21

All day we got to play with a boys group ages 7-11! We played soccer and a bunch of other games. They were a lot of fun!:)

After dinner we had some team intercession and prayer. These times are always good! 

God always shows me how much of a atmosphere changer I really am. 

Andi and I did laundry so that was interesting especially since the dryer barely dries clothes so all my clothes were close to soaking wet.

YWAM

Wildatheart

Katie Jones

Love and the outcome (part 2)

Wednesday 9/18

We started the day listening to a Francis Chan sermon!:) really good stuff!:)

The kids place we were at yesterday wanted us back for their oldest group coming in this afternoon so we planned for that and then planned for tomorrow mornings thing at the school again. 

At adventure Kidz we did some drama's fit for their age and testimonies. I stepped out and got to talk about one of our drama's called "me"! That was the first time I have had a translator speaking in front of a crowd! I've had one while praying for people. It's different. Takes me a bit to get used to. 

After dinner we went to the truck stop down the road to pray for the truckers and give out more HIV awareness packets with a box of condemns. We prayed hard for safety before going because this is the main place prostitution happens. Terrifies me, but I trust that God will protect me. Always with a guy from my group we blessed a lot of truckers. Then we went to a neighborhood where prostitution is strong. I thought it would be more obvious but it wasn't. When I say that I mean I didn't see a ton of girls standing outside of shops just waiting to sell their bodies. I'm really glad the base showed us the movie Nefarious, otherwise I wouldn't know what to expect in this area. My heart just ached the whole time we were in this neighborhood, although we only saw a few girls out... I could definitely feel the oppression in this place. It was thick! The whole time I prayed that God would bring these girls to Him to be free. I was really relieved when we left. If it was obvious I would have had a hard time but I know God would have given me the strength to walk it out. He always does. I feel like I'll be helping these girls one day in counseling. 

Thursday 9/19

First stop we went to a school where we did all our kid drama's and got to play with the kids. It's the best feeling in the world when dozens of kids come running up to you to give you a hug that you almost fall down. This makes my day and I know without a doubt it make theirs too. 

After lunch we went back to a kids church ministry where we just played with the kids and had fun! I saw three familiar faces from the time before and I met more. They loved seeing me!:) A group of us played games that I learned from youth or kids ministry and they taught me hand shakes. 

One of my favorite songs that all the little African kids sings is:

"Higher, lower"

Bring me Higher

Higher Higher

Higher Higher Higher

Lord Jesus Higher

Bring me Lower

Lower Lower

Lower lower lower

Lower lower

Lord Jesus Lower

They all sing it with so much passion! I love it:)

Wildatheart

Katie Jones

Love and the outcome (part 1)

Monday 9/16

Walking across the dirt roads with kids accumulating around me as we walk, such joy is flowing freely as we giggle, dance and love each other like what love is supposed to look like. 

So much excitement! 

These kids truly absorbed everything we had to offer for them as we did drama's and told testimonies. Then we split off into groups to do crafts! My group of 5 little girls and I had so much fun drawing pictures, me taking pictures of them with their pictures and then the excitement of getting to look at their pictures afterwards. I enjoyed telling them how beautiful they are. They found one of my weaknesses right off the bat which is the fact that I'm very ticklish all over, the overwhelming fingers and laughter as I got them back by tickling them. Their age ranged from 2-5 years old in my group! I loved this and soaked up every moment! 

After dinner we went to Avian park where a bunch of little kids and their families came for a service followed by dinner. We did drama's and testimonies for them, which they absolutely loved!:) the whole time I'm holding a little girl prolly under 2! She is sweet!:)

It's the sweet moments God blesses us with to melt our hearts a little bit more for Him. It's that vision of Him holding His children tightly in His arms and then Him opening my eyes to His love coming out of me to this precious little girl warmly snuggled in my arms. This is the Fathers heart for us, shown to me just thru one little girl. As I held her I felt like someone grabbed my heart and tore it in half as I looked at her bare feet and felt her shivering body against me. I thought it couldn't get worse till sweet little coughs came out of her. I stood their holding her against me tightly to try my best to get her warm. It was prolly in the 30's or 40's with very strong winds, not helping me much. I had my jacket and rain jacket on but I was holding her with my hands bare. I didn't think at all about my frozen fingers till we got in the car. It's these moments God breaks my heart for what breaks His but shows me how strong I really am. I almost lost it in an ocean of tears but God always shows me more joy within it than anything. After they ate, a grandma of her grandson went up to me and asked me to pray for him so I did with such joy, which then I prayed for her without a thought about it. Her husband passed away a year ago and she takes care of her grand kids. Bless her heart, I can't imagine losing someone that close. Her heart is so precious and I loved every moment as I got to pour into her.

Tuesday 9/17

By 7:15 am we were all on the road to go teach devotionals at a primary school here. Jodi and I had worked on a sermon about Joseph and his robe of many colors. Tim (assistant leader of Ruth) joined us, which was a huge blessing. We walked into a room of 4th graders to teach. We learned a little about them and then started speaking about Joseph's story, the subject was hope. Connecting Joseph's dream and their personal dreams on life and giving them hope to never give up on it. I got to share a little of my testimony sharing about how I was inspired by a youth leader to do missions when I was 12 and that since then I worked hard up to graduating High school a year early to do missions and here I am. I loved speaking hope into their hearts. 

All of our games we had planned fell thru so as I had observed the class as devotionals went along, a kid randomly started to dance in the middle of the aisle. It was really good! So I asked that somebody come up and show us their best dance move. They lined up for this immediately. Showing us the shuffle and a bunch of really cool moves.

Then we went back to avian park to do some more evangelism. Tim taxied us, little kids from the neighborhood crawled in and we let them. Their faces of excitement just to ride in a car was so cool and such a joy to all of us. Tim even let one sit on his lap to steer. 

This afternoon we helped at an after school program. We played a bunch of games, then we moved onto drama's and then crafts. 

These kids observed every part of me probably, as I am watching a game and I look down and a little girl is checking out my arm muscles as she mutters some African (said Africon) language. I just stood there and laughed. This group was well behaved and a lot of fun. It was fun meeting more brothers and sisters and getting to play/catch up on life.

  

Day 1 South Africa

We arrived at the Warcester YWAM base at 2 am Friday! We were all exhausted. We had been traveling since 3pm Wednesday. So we crashed knowing we had till 1 the next day off.  I slept in till 11:30 easy. I could have slept all day I was so tired. This base is really nice! We have very comfortable beds to sleep in. We were very thankful for this since we had been sleeping on our Matt's in London. We basically had the day off to just relax. I got wifi to contact my parents. Then spent an hour or so talking to my mom. 

I took a nap (I needed it)!:)

Saturday we hit the ground running. We went door to door in the nicest neighborhood here to spread awareness of HIV to the people, handing them info packets and condemns. Debra our translator made the experience all the more fun, with her bubbly personality. She has no filter therefore she asked questions straight up. Funny story: first home we went to there were two older boys and so she was asking them questions and then asked "have you heard of HIV?" They said "yes, we know too much about that!" And then she asked "have you had sex?" They said "no" and she turned to us and said " They haven't started yet which means they are virgins and are still available" (followed by a wink).  

People here are open to prayer and will let you into there house, no question about it. Their hearts are so full and fruitful. Jesus is definitely in this neighborhood. But I still feel as though their are some that don't have Jesus in their hearts. These are the type of people that have little to nothing but don't see what they don't have and are thankful for what they have. Living in Houses made of tin, cardboard or thin sheets of wood barely put together with spray painted number on the house, from the outside it looks bad but the inside is well kept and furnished with Ikea furniture along with a tv, refrigerator and lots of people. News paper or cardboard is plastered all over the walls on the inside, which keeps the place warm. Walking on the streets my heart is warmed by little hands and bright joyful faces jumping and running around me, playing with me as if they have never met a white person let alone American before. I was surrounded by 4 little kids that turned into 12 and then up to 20! We ventured off to the back of the neighborhood where it's just a field full of trash, along it we see goats, pigs, chickens, roosters and dogs running around. My heart aches for this place, these people and their hearts. The need here is tremendous. God is so good to place me in the path of Debra who works at the clinic as a counselor for these people.  Since I want to eventually be a counselor...God just loves placing people from that field in my path. She truly has a heart for them and I can't think of anyone more anointed by God than her, here in this place at this time. Here the children have a choice to be raised by their parents or grandparents. So the first house had a lot of kids running around because they chose to be raised by their grandmother. This grandma's heart and love for these kids was beyond what I could imagine or know. I hope and pray to be half as good as a mother and grandmother as this lady was, always open to take care of any child or grandchild that come thru. What a blessing she is. I have a true respect for these grandmothers! This is what I looked forward to all those years I imagined missions, the smiles, the laughter, the little hands, the need, the openness, the precious hearts that truly know love and give love. My heart is full and overflowing. 

After lunch we as a team hosted a teenage boys group, where we played games, did a few drama's and testimonies. It was a blast and I think the boys really loved it. I videoed the drama's I'm not in and the games we did to, hopefully I can figure out how to get those up from my camera. 

Tonight we went to a night of worship at a church near by. Shakinah glory come down! Lol most beloved song by all of us as we dance extravagantly in the back row. 

London, England Adventure

When we got to London, we had no idea where we were going to stay or any of our plans, but God blessed us with Emmanuel evangelical church who worked thru legal stuff to allow us to stay with them for as long as we were in London...they also got us food. With that God also blessed us with opportunities to serve in the church with their street healing ministry, homeless service and Mother's Day out as well as let us attend a conference speaking on pro-life with Scott Klusendorf. We also got to walk the Heart of London, England praying for people and the place.

God allowed me to speak into many that have gone thru what I have and so I poured in what has been poured into me! I believe lives were changed!

At the healing ministry I poured into a lady who is struggling with depression/anxiety, she shared her struggles as a mother of a 6 yr old, trying to get him back (I'm thinking that the parents are separated and the dad has him), how she feels so alone right now and how she is just trying to find true love. Because I have struggled with depression I got to pour into her what my counselor poured into me. It was such a gift to be able to give someone a seed of hope that will grow.

At the homeless service I talked to a lady named Lance that has been told by social services that she has mental issues. I spoke truth over her and told her a little of a family testimony and as I spoke words that she would be able to evangelize to people in social services or anything in that area. Doctors of any sort are not people we need to listen to cause God is the one who knows everything. Because I am so thankful to have an older sister who is special needs  and has been told that she couldn't do simple things like walk or talk (much more we were told) and God came thru for her by giving my awesome parents strength to do what it takes to allow her to walk, say a few words to sign language and much more....she is a living, breathing, walking blessing to my family and I. She is proof that doctors don't see all, let alone know all but that God knows. 

Saturday night we attended church at Hillsong. It was what we needed and it was such a blessing to attend and enjoy. People here are very reserved! We have all had a few experiences where we would go up to someone with such confidence to say "Hey, how are you?" And the other reply "No!" Or I even had someone just shake their head no.

I had a homeless lady ask me with such concern to see if I was feeling ok! It's not common for anyone to go up to a stranger and start talking to them here while in the states their a little more open to it. We have prophesied and pray that we can turn graveyards into gardens here and we believe that is what we have done and we will keep praying for the revival to come. This place is anointed with Him everywhere, now all they need to do is choose Him...choose a relationship with Him. That is my prayer for London. 

All to come down to my love for London Brag moment! 

London is beautiful! The tea is delicious and the people's hearts are so sweet once you get to know them.

The kids are beautiful with their nice outfits (always dressed nice) and landscape that is always picked up and fancy. I love London! I could move here, but that would be a bit expensive. 

Last night we wrote down a name and explanation of each person on a paper and went around praying over each person we have encountered here. Visions of chains being broken and gardens being mended together were displayed before us giving hope to this place.

Last night  we had a movie night, ate pizza and had magnum ice cream! Perfect way to end our experience in London, England.

Now toSouth Africa, Capetown we go!:) 

YWAM life

Blessings and so thankful

Wildatheart

Katie Jones

Costa Rica (part2)

Talamanca, suretka

Our Mission:

love on people, pray for people, help out and help build a church.

Tuesday:

We went into the jungle to haul wood out. This was interesting since we had to pass a river. First time thru I lost my shoe in the mud and had to fish it out. 

After that I realized I had a bunch of bumps on my legs! Remembering that a group of us got lost and went the wrong way in the jungle and a plant I walked by had a bad sting/cut to it. We all have to spray bug spray on us frequently because of the dangyay fever(not to sure I spelt that right) here. It can be deadly depending on which of the three ways it comes to you. Signs of it will appear 4-7 days after. I trust that God will protect us. He brought us here, surely He will.

After a hard day of working we went down the river and showered/went swimming in the river. It was nice to get clean after all that hard work and sweat! It's worth it! 

Wednesday

We finished hauling wood and then took all of it to the church. Most of the church is built just needs the foundation set. Most of the wood had bark so we had fun with the machete and wood blocks to help us chip it off. That took all morning. Then that afternoon we picked up trash around the village and prayed. 

It's always a treat to get to go down to the river after work to relax in the water and clean up if needed, so that is what we did.

Thursday

All except the boys, Tammy, Tim and Tabea went to the nursing home while the others helped work on a project for Alex and Julia at there home. Riding the bus there is always an adventure since there's only so much room in a bus and so many people who are on it. Most people are standing, while most women with babies or children sit. At the nursing home we did puppets and told testimonies. Afterwards we gave them their snack and then did crafts with them. One of the guys there had a shirt on that said "speed demon". Pretty funny! I got to massage two ladies hands with lotion. I have been told by God and many others that I am a healer, it wasn't till later I looked at the lotion bottle and it said healing lotion. I made one of the guys there a crown and a people set. He loved it. We then raked the yard for the nursing home. As we did this we found that the water here was not ok to drink....thankfully God is protecting us and we don't have to worry about this but we became cautious and didn't do it again. I never filled my water bottle up there so I was good. 

Friday 

We rode the bus to the school to paint. Dropping Tim, Chris and Ty at Alex and Julia's to finish there project, the rest of us went to paint. We painted 3 classrooms. One room we painted blue, one room we painted blue and pink, and the next was white. We finished before 1:15 to clean up and leave. We had the rest of the day off. So we wanted to bless the family we stayed with so after dinner we had juice and desert with them that our team bought. We heard their story and got to pray for them. 

I found out that night Benadryl makes me super tired and hysterical! I say strange things and I even laugh in my sleep (according to my YWAM siblings).lol

The next morning we packed it up and moved it out! On the way back to  San Jose we got to swim in the Caribbean in Porta Vieho (didn't spell that right but oh well). It was awesome! Then we changed, ate lunch and then it was on the road for the next five hours.  We arrived in San Jose at 7, to wait at the bus stop for a while and then to the base to eat dinner. It was nice to be back! The Schmidt family (YWAM family) got back as well, so it was all hugs, laughter and joy to see each other again. I love that family! 

It was nice to get a warm shower and feel clean afterwards! I'm thankful for the warm and clean part because its rare to get a warm shower at the San Jose base and to be clean after constantly smelling and sweating in Suretka was great.

One more full night of sleep in a twin sized bed and a restful day full of packing before we leave at 4 am for the airport!

London here I come (told you I would be back-I've only been to the airport)!:)

Katie Jones

Wildatheart